Headlines

Unleashing the Magic of Marakele

10 March 2023 · Platinum Bushvelder

Unleashing the Magic of Marakele

Thabazimbi – The annual Powerade Marakele Marathon was held at Marakele National Park on Saturday 4 March 2023 and has received widespread praise for its success from runners, organisers, sponsors, and all other participants.

Intrigued by the event’s apparent magic, Platinum Bushvelder set out to investigate.


The Marakele National Park lives up to its Tswana name, “a place of sanctuary,” by offering a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and rhino. Every year, runners, some travelling from as far as Cape Town, eagerly participate in the beloved marathon. 


This event raises funds for the conservation of the Marakele National Park, located at the heart of Limpopo’s Waterberg Mountains. The marathon offers a 42 km, 21 km, and a 10 km running trail for more serious runners, as well as a 5 km fun run.


This year’s event drew a record entry of 1,400 runners, and both the 21 km and 10 km categories sold out. The organisers were pleased with the turnout and are hopeful that the 42 km run will also sell out in the future.


The park’s breath-taking mountain landscapes, with rolling hills and green valleys, were awe-inspiring. However, what truly made this year’s marathon magical was its flawless execution.

According to the 42 km first-place winner, Lindsay van Aswegen, “the marathon was well-equipped for the hot day, with seventeen water points, meticulous planning regarding registration, number collection, and route markers.

Runners knew they were in good hands because of the friendly support-crew members and the added safety measures implemented by the game rangers.”

42 km 1st place winners  

  • Lebogang Khonkhobe with a time of 2:40:41
  • Lindsay van Aswegen with a time of 3:44:41

21 km 1st place winners 

  • Godfrey Gabatsewe with a time of 1:09:25
  • Taryn Snyman with a time of 1:41:24 

10 km 1st place winners 

  • Phuti Matlala with a time of 31:16 
  • Elri Dirkse van Schalkwyk with a time of 39:42 

Groot dank aan die Powerade Marakele Maraton organiseerders en borge wat die dag besonders gemaak het!

  • Borge

Powerade en Coca-Cola Beverages SA

  • Organiseerders

Pick n Pay en Pick n Pay Thabazimbi, SANParke en die Marakele Nasionale Park, die Thabazimbi Marathon Club, ER24, Thaba Tourism, Trollope Mining, en alle stalletjie houers.

42 km winner Lindsay van Aswegen said that the experience was unforgettable! 
Lebogang Khonkhobe, winner of the 42 km race, stated that the event served as excellent training for the upcoming Comrades Marathon.

 

The marathon was an opportunity to have fun! 
The 42 km, 21 km, and 10 km races started promptly at 6:00 am, providing the runners with a refreshing and invigorating sunrise view.

#FosteringASenseOfCommunity